Lateral Collateral (Radial Collateral) Ligament Injuries
The lateral/radial collateral ligament (elbow) injury is a key stabilizer on the outer side of the elbow. It connects the humerus to the radius, preventing excessive side movement. Injury or strain to this ligament can cause pain, weakness, and instability, often resulting from overuse or sudden trauma.
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Find Relief TodayOverview
The elbow joint has three ligaments connecting the upper and lower arm, providing stability and motion. The elbow’s lateral collateral ligament (LCL), also called the radial collateral ligament (RCL), is located outside the elbow and should not be confused with the LCL in the knee.
This ligament may become sprained or torn from a sports injury. Because the LCL plays a key role in stabilizing the elbow, damage can result in elbow weakness or instability.
What causes Lateral Collateral (Radial Collateral) Ligament Injuries?
What Causes Lateral Collateral (Radial Collateral) Ligament Injuries?
Lateral/radial collateral ligament (elbow) injury often occurs from falling on an outstretched hand. A severe fall that dislocates the elbow can cause the ligament to tear completely, while a milder fall may result in a sprain. These injuries are common in sports where falls and impact are frequent.
- How the Injury Occurs: The injury typically happens when the arm is extended to break a fall, causing the elbow to twist or dislocate. The sudden outward force overstretches or tears the ligament on the outer side of the joint.
- Common Everyday Causes: LCL injuries can also happen during daily activities, such as slipping in the shower, tripping on stairs, or using the arm to catch oneself during a fall. Even repetitive heavy lifting or pushing strain can lead to gradual ligament damage.
Elbow LCL injuries are most common in these sports:
- Football: Landing awkwardly after a tackle or blocking can stretch or tear the ligament.
- Soccer: Falling on the arm while bracing for impact during a collision can injure the elbow.
- Rugby: Frequent tackles and scrums increase the risk of forceful elbow twisting or dislocation.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of a lateral/radial collateral ligament (elbow) injury is pain along the outer side of the elbow, especially after a fall or direct impact. The pain may worsen when the arm is extended or rotated. You might also experience tenderness, swelling, or a feeling of looseness in the joint.
Some people report a clicking, popping, or catching sensation when straightening the arm, which can make simple movements, like pushing open a door or lifting objects, painful. In more severe cases, the elbow may feel unstable, as if it could “give way” under pressure.
When to see a doctor
If you’ve fallen on an outstretched hand and continue to feel pain, swelling, or weakness on the outer side of your elbow, you should see a doctor for evaluation. During the visit, your doctor will review how the injury occurred, your symptoms, and your physical activity level.
A physical examination will include gentle palpation (touching) of the LCL area to check for tenderness, swelling, and stability, followed by tests to assess your range of motion and strength without causing pain.
Your doctor may recommend imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis or rule out more serious injuries, such as fractures, tendon tears, or joint dislocation. While X-rays help check for bone injuries, an MRI scan provides detailed images of the soft tissues, including the LCL, allowing your physician to identify the extent of the ligament damage and plan an appropriate treatment strategy.
Non-operative treatment
Most lateral collateral (radial collateral) ligament injuries of the elbow can be successfully treated without surgery. Non-operative care aims to reduce pain, restore movement, and prevent further injury while the ligament heals naturally.
Conservative treatment typically includes:
- Immobilization: Wearing a splint for five days to a week keeps the elbow at a 90-degree angle, allowing the ligament to rest and heal.
- Rest: Avoiding activities that stress or twist the elbow helps prevent injury worsening.
- Ice therapy: Applying ice several times a day reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen help control pain and decrease inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Once pain and swelling improve, guided exercises help restore flexibility, range of motion, and strength in the elbow and forearm.
Try these exercises to help address your condition:
Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program
Surgical Treatment
In most cases, athletes with an elbow lateral collateral (radial collateral) ligament injury do not require surgery. However, if the injury involves both a dislocation of the elbow and a complete tear of the LCL, surgical intervention may be necessary.
The operation aims to realign the elbow bones and repair or reconstruct the damaged ligament to restore joint stability.Patients are placed in a splint or brace afterward to protect the repair during healing.
Recovery
Recovery from a mild elbow LCL injury is usually quick. Most athletes resume normal activities within two to three weeks after conservative treatment. In cases requiring surgery, full recovery may take about three months. Physical therapy plays a crucial role throughout rehabilitation, helping to restore range of motion, rebuild strength, and improve joint stability.
With consistent therapy and proper guidance from a doctor or physical therapist, athletes can return to play once they regain full motion, strength, and confidence in the injured arm.
Dr. Jay Kimmel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and shoulder and knee disorders. He completed his orthopedic training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Temple University.
Dr. Kimmel previously served as the Director of the Connecticut Sports Medicine Institute at Saint Francis Hospital and has held faculty appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Departments of Orthopedics and Family Medicine at the University of Connecticut. He has extensive experience caring for athletes as a team physician for high school and collegiate programs and continues to teach in the athletic training departments at Westfield State University and Springfield College.
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/MonthFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from an LCL injury?
Mild injuries usually heal in 2–3 weeks, while surgical recovery takes about 3 months with guided rehabilitation.
Can I return to sports after an LCL injury?
Absolutely. Most athletes return to full performance without lasting issues with proper recovery and therapy.
Is physical therapy important after an LCL injury?
Yes. It helps restore range of motion, build strength, and prevent future elbow instability.
How can I prevent another LCL injury?
Warm up before activity, maintain good arm strength, and avoid sudden falls or twisting motions that strain the elbow.